POLICE have been given extra powers to clamp down on nuisance motorists "cruising" and congregating on an industrial estate in north Warwickshire.

They have obtained a dispersal notice under the Crime and Disorder Act for the area around the Hams Hall industrial estate, near Coleshill.

The order, won in partnership with North Warwickshire Borough Council is aimed at tackling the problem of motorists congregating and racing on the estate.

It means police can curb nuisance by ordering people out of the area.

Sgt Alan Bamford, of Warwickshire police, said police were "acutely aware" of the nuisance caused to businesses and nearby villages.

"By issuing dispersal notices we will look to limit the cruising and allow those currently affected to get on with their business activities and their lives."

North Warwickshire borough councillor Les Forsyth, chairman of the North Warwickshire Community Safety Partnership, said: "The dispersal order will help to reinforce the police operations to tackle the nuisance from car cruisers in the short term.

"The people causing this nuisance are mainly from outside the borough but their impact is on local businesses and local communities."

Police say the order will run until April 20, and give time to find a permanent solution.